Texas’ Highest Home Hits Market For $17.5 Million

At a staggering 5,750 feet, Livermore Ranch is the highest elevation ranch home in the state of Texas, currently offered by Hall and Hall for $17.5 million. Nestled in the heart of the Davis Mountains and encompassing all of Brooks Mountain, it’s described as “the last of the great places,” located just 30 miles west of Fort Davis, and a short 25-mile drive to Marfa, the vibrant arts hub of “Prada Marfa” fame.

The 4,772-plus-acre property – which includes a stately 8,166-plus-square-foot lodge designed by Dallas oilman James Marvin Boyd – is a sight to see, with dramatic mountain peaks, shear bluffs, epic rock formations, deep shaded canyons, large meadows, aspen forests, and productive Chihuahuan grasslands.

Who is Livermore Ranch perfect for? “Likely an ultra-high-net-worth ranch buyer,” says listing agent Tyler Jacobs of Hall and Hall. “Someone interested in Marfa/Alpine culture, and likely keeps a private jet very busy. The ranch is attractive to those who want the mountain exclusion and pristine isolation, and a truly jaw-dropping view from the back yard and all of the bedrooms.”

In addition to the entertainer’s lodge, manager’s home, massive shop/maintenance barn, horse barn, outdoor riding arenas, and cattle pens, it’s also home to an abundance of game and non-game wildlife, including populations of mule deer, elk, aoudad, mountain lions, turkeys, and javelinas.

“Exceptionally large elk have migrated into the region in the last few years, and it is also well-known for mountain lion. Trophy mule deer have been commercially hunted as well with several over 200 inches,” shares Jacobs.

The current owners briefly operated Livermore Ranch as a bed and breakfast, but decided it cut into their own enjoyment of the ranch. New buyers will appreciate the variety of operational opportunities, from hunting and ecotourism, to photography and recreation.

As far as Texas mountain ranches go, the recreational components of the property are billed as superior. Income-producing activities such as extreme off-roading, hiking, birding, stargazing, rappelling, rock climbing, survival training, horseback outfitting, and commercial bed and breakfast operations are all mentioned as viable activities to support an enterprise-type ownership.

For history buffs, there is an incredible amount of documented archeological finds, and fascinating Native American lore to keep you entertained. Adam York of Sublime Public Relations, who represents the listing told us, “In the mid-19th century, the Mescalero Apache warriors hid out in caves on what is today the Livermore Ranch. Soldiers from Fort Davis, pursing the Apaches, also pitched camp here. The caves, canyon springs, and mountain passes support the history, and imagination of what historically transpired on the special place.”

Over 1,700 prehistoric arrow points were unearthed from the mountains between 1895 and the early 1900s. Archeologists have carbon dated the Livermore Cache to about 900 A.D. To Jacobs’ knowledge, the property has only changed hands four times, and current ranch managers are on hand with an interest in working for the new buyers.

“Everyone [in the community] knows the place, and how special it is,” he adds. “I don’t know of any other ranches in Texas with 2,500+/- feet of elevation change, and a house that sits at 5,750 feet of elevation.”